You made an official visit to Moscow and was hopeful when you came back. Did the military move surprise you?

When we went to Russia we went to hear from them about their long term vision in Syria. Then I wrote an article titled: Will the sun come from Russia? At the end of the article I replied my question and said: “No it will not rise from there.” But many unwise people did not read or understand what I meant. I never said that Russia would leave Syria easily. They will not. The Russians have great interests in Syria. For the military operation of course I was not expecting this quick move from Moscow. They surprised me just like many countries. From the beginning it was clear that the Russians support Bashar Al Assad and they will never leave him alone. But this step was hasty.

You met with the Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov few months ago in Qatar. What did you talk?

I met Mr Lavrov during his visit to Qatar. We have different approaches with the Russians. They talk about terrorist groups all the time. They always say that Assad has to stay in power but we say Syria cannot stand up again under his rule he must leave. I asked him to put a clear deadline for Assad. If Bashar leaves now Syria will dissolve he told me. I said the regime’s approach step by step has been already dissolving the country and it will bring a dramatic end if we do not stop this.

You were criticised for negotiating with the Russians. Do you regret now?

If there is a problem you must listen to the other side to understand first then act. It is right of the Syrian people to seek for any possible solution in order to save their country. If the military forces do not have a political vision then it is the right of other powers to try different channels.

But you never went to Iran to find a solution?

Iran is more dangerous with its sectarian goals. I consulted many colleagues and friends majority of them told me that going to Iran is not a good idea. The Iranians are the real occupiers of Syria. While Russia has political and economic interests in Syria Iran has more dangerous desires. They want to build an empire in our land.

What is the real target of this operation in your opinion? Is it ISIS?

There are many targets not just one. They do not want to lose the last front in the Middle East. Because they were kicked out from many other countries this is the last place for them. Also they have had a very deep cooperation with the Syrian regime for a long time. The Russians want to keep Assad in power whatever it takes. Lastly they have a great fear of ISIS. They do not like regional countries to have the initiative and take the control over Syria.

The opposition forces are being targeted as the reports suggest...

Their main target may be ISIS but by using this opportunity they will destroy all of our revolutionary powers including the Free Syrian Army. They do not only target the opposition forces but also civilians just like the regime.

How do you see the coalition right now?

The coalition from the beginning have not had a clear and straight political vision. They took the necessary steps after it is too late. At the beginning they refused any political initiative or solution then changed it. They refused Geneva first but then they accepted. They refused to negotiate with the Russians but then they went to Moscow. I think they must reorganise themselves. They need more unity.

What would you do if you were again the head of the coalition now?

First of all the coalition must be cleaned from the opportunists. I would include the civil society organisations military forces and political powers all in one council. Also I would create a clear vision by consulting the experts ask Syrian businessmen to finance the activities visit all the countries related to the Syrian crises. Eventually I would call for a national dialogue by having direct negotiation with the regime under the international guarantee.

Do you think the Russian intervention is a result of the failure of the USA policy in Syria?

The USA closed its eyes when the Russians came. And the Russians used this chance to do what they like. The USA has never offered a clear vision to solve the crisis. They have not done enough. Under these circumstances the Russians finally took the initiative and occupied Syria.

Why after five years?

Because the Assad regime was becoming weaker and weaker and without their support it could collapse more quickly. Besides the Russians were not happy with the growing influence of Iran.

It’s been said that the Gulf countries prepare a military response to the Russians. Would it be a smart move?

I do not believe in war. I think it will worsen the situation. Facing the Russians must be not by fighting back it must be brought by the unity of the regional powers offering a political solution. Military confrontations will bring only more blood. I am really worried that there will be a greater vacuum in Syria with all countries related to the Syrian crisis. The war starts so easy but once it is started no one can stop it. The regional countries like Turkey and Saudi Arabia should be united to face the Russians and try to find a political solution.

So you still believe that diplomacy is the only solution?

As the Syrians who pay the price we need an exit. As the war continues it will drag more countries into it. There will be a huge battle and no one will gain at the end. If there is a unified vision which comes from the regional countries they can stop this. I think Turkey now has a good opportunity along with Qatar and Saudi Arabia to take the initiative and negotiate with the Russians.

The Peninsula